President Ram Nath Kovind presented the National Sports Day Awards on the 114th birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand to sportspersons from the country at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday.

A total of 19 athletes were nominated for the Arjuna Award. The honour was bestowed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in order to recognise the achievement of athletes.

On the honour, Praneeth was quoted saying, "I am feeling really happy for getting the Arjuna Award. Also, I am really happy that it came immediately after I won bronze medal."

President Kovind confers Arjuna Award, 2019 upon Bhamidipati Sai Praneeth for his achievements in Badminton 🏸

🔹Bronze Medal in BWF World Tour Super 300 in 2018🔹Gold Medal in BWF World Grand Prix in 2017🔹Gold Medal in Singapore Open 2017 pic.twitter.com/Q6cZ70iuto

The 27-year-old from Hyderabad lost 13-21 8-21 to defending champion and world no. 1 Kento Momota of Japan in a lop-sided semifinal to settle for bronze.

"This was one of my best tournaments that I ever had in my career. There are lots of learning and positives to take. I think the recent performances have been good," Praneeth told reporters.

It was a rare achievement for Praneeth, who became the first Indian male shuttler in 36 years to win a medal in the prestigious tournament. Prakash Padukone was the first to win a men's singles World Championships medal -- a bronze -- in the 1983 edition.